Effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy Program for Obesity: A Pre-post and 6-Month Follow-up Results


Kılıç G., Samar B. Ş., Akkuş K., Tekinsav Sütcü S., Seçkiner S., Yıldırım Şimşir I.

International Journal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, cilt.18, sa.3, ss.545-568, 2025 (Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 18 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s41811-025-00249-0
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.545-568
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cognitive behavioral approach, Cognitive behavioral group therapy, Group therapy, Obesity
  • Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Interest in psychological interventions for obesity treatment has been increasing. This study examines the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) alongside standard diet therapy in reducing body mass ındex (BMI). Additionally, it investigates the predictive role of emotion regulation and problem-solving sessions integrated into the CBGT protocol. Participants with a BMI of 30 or higher were assigned to diet-only, diet + CBGT, or control groups. Measurements were taken at baseline, post-therapy, and six months later. Results showed significant BMI reductions in diet and diet + CBGT groups, with no changes in the control group. Six months later, the diet + CBGT group maintained their BMI reductions, unlike the diet-only group. Regression analysis indicated that positive emotion regulation predicted BMI changes, while negative regulation and problem-solving did not. These findings highlight the role of CBGT in obesity treatment and suggest that incorporating sessions aimed to improve positive emotion regulation skills would be beneficial.